Global Online Population Forecast 2023-28

The global online population is expected to reach 6.6 billion by 2028, representing a significant increase from the current 5.7 billion internet users worldwide. This growth will be fuelled by several factors, including improved internet infrastructure, affordable data plans, and widespread adoption of smartphones in developing countries.

As the digital landscape expands, the internet will continue to play a crucial role in shaping various aspects of daily life, including communication, entertainment, education, and commerce. This projection underscores the importance of digital inclusion and highlights the immense potential for businesses and organizations to tap into the rapidly growing online market.

Asia Pacific Accounts for More Than 50% Online Users

Asia Pacific, a region with rapid digital adoption and a thriving technology sector, is home to more than half of the world's internet users. With over 2.9 billion people online, the region accounts for more than 50% of the global online population, solidifying its position as a major player in the digital landscape.

This massive online population has driven Asia Pacific to become one of the fastest-growing digital markets. The region is a leader in cashless transactions, thanks to the widespread adoption of digital payment methods such as e-commerce, mobile payments, and social commerce.

Asia and MEA Leads Will Account for 85% of New Online Users

Over the coming years, a staggering 937 million new internet users are projected to join the online world, with Asia and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) accounting for an impressive 85% of this growth. This significant expansion in internet adoption will bring millions of people online for the first time, driving digital innovation and economic development in these regions.

While the Middle East and Africa (MEA) have made significant strides in digital adoption, the region still lags behind other parts of the world in terms of online penetration. Despite being home to a sizable portion of the global population, internet usage in MEA remains relatively low, with a penetration rate of around 63%. We expect that the digital divide in the Middle East and Africa will gradually narrow, paving the way for increased online penetration and socioeconomic development.

The Global Online Population Forecast offers comprehensive population and online user data for 56 countries, with regional summaries also included.